Biostimulants complement other farm practices to boost performance, protect potential and build resilience in crops.
Conventional crop protection has long been essential in modern agriculture — safeguarding crops from insect damage, disease-causing pathogens, nematodes and weeds. As agriculture evolves, there is growing interest in complementary tools that can work alongside these solutions to support plant health and sustainability. One such tool is the use of biostimulants.
According to the European Biostimulants Industry Council, biostimulants are “components (that) include microorganisms, plant and algae extracts, amino acids, humic substances, mineral salts and some chemicals (...). Unlike fertilisers, which directly supply nutrients to plants, biostimulants stimulate the plant’s own processes to better utilise nutrients and water.” Biostimulants enhance plant health and resilience while maximizing nutrient utilization. Their primary goal is to help improve key aspects of plant performance and soil health, including:
Biostimulants can help empower plants to thrive, delivering healthier, higher-quality yields.
Biostimulants can complement growers’ current practices by supporting uptake and effectiveness of what farmers apply in the field. For example, certain biostimulants can enhance root growth, leading to better absorption of the nutrients fertilizers add to the soil. With healthier roots, plants can also take in water more efficiently, helping to make the most of irrigation.
Crops are frequently exposed to various abiotic stressors, including drought, salinity and temperature extremes. Biostimulants help prepare plants to endure these challenges by stimulating natural defense mechanisms and contributing to better physiological function. Compounds in biostimulants — such as antioxidants and stress-alleviating molecules — can help mitigate oxidative damage and maintain vital cellular processes during stress events. Healthier plants can recover more quickly and maintain productivity under adverse conditions — instead of focusing only on survival — reducing the likelihood of yield loss.
Soil health is a critical factor in crop production. Biostimulants like humic acids and microbial inoculants can help improve soil structure, increase microbial activity and enhance nutrient cycling. Healthy soils support robust plant growth and can reduce the incidence of soil-borne diseases, leading to a more resilient cropping system. This soil enhancement can also result in better absorption and efficiency of applied conventional chemistries, to help them reach their intended targets without leaching into the environment.
Biostimulants can help increase both crop yield and quality. For example, they can enhance the nutritional content of produce, improve fruit set and increase the size and uniformity of crops. These benefits are particularly valuable in high-value crops like fruits and vegetables, where quality directly impacts marketability and price.
Biostimulants help to optimize how plants absorb and utilize nutrients, reducing waste and maximizing productivity. Products like amino acids, humic substances and seaweed extracts can enhance root development and metabolic activity, which helps plants access nutrients more effectively. This improved efficiency can reduce reliance on traditional fertilizers, lowering input costs while minimizing environmental impact.
While biostimulants have clear benefits, their effective use requires careful consideration. It is essential to select the right type of biostimulant for the specific crop and growing conditions. There are many ways to integrate conventional crop protection products with biological solutions. To maximize the potential of these combinations and optimize crop performance, growers should collaborate closely with professional agronomists.
Incorporating biostimulants into a crop protection plan that also uses conventional chemicals offers a holistic approach to plant health. Biostimulants help boost performance, build resilience and protect potential.
Biostimulants can be a powerful partner to your existing crop protection and nutrition plan. Whether your goal is to improve nutrient efficiency, build stress resilience or enhance crop quality, biostimulants may be a good tool to help you get more from every acre.
Talk to your agronomist or Corteva representative today to explore how biostimulants can fit into your program.
Many factors contribute to crop performance and return on investment. Products are intended to complement sound agronomic practices. Results may vary.
